1998 Classic - what to look for

[Rainmaker]

Don is certainly full of good information and has repaired/restored more than his share of Sea Crafts. I would trust his thoughts....

With that, I run a 1998 23' CC and have for the past 4 years. I love the boat. I have a bracket on it and push it with a 2006 etec 225. When it is time to repower, it will be a 300hp though. I can't say I have had any issues with the boat at all. I run it around 500 hours a year with several trips to the Bahamas and trust this boat to get me back every time. I have been in 20-30 knot blows in this boat and actually went out one day with a 20 knot North wind and some very sloppy conditions. Had a tough time moving around that day, but managed to catch more than my share of tilefish in 10'+ seas. Again, never a concern for our safety, just not very comfortable.

With anything, I can guess some folks have had trouble and some don't. I would take the advice above and have the boat and motor checked out by an expert before dropping a pile of cash on it.